I finally got through to the surgery this morning. I was cut off once as I hadn’t realised that if you pressed the volume button 3 times it would mute the line. We both have a telephone appointment this evening.
Maybe in Zebra-ese that's paying you a compliment. I daresay they said to each other, "Those humans are really rude. All they do is show you their faces."
I've been out for most of the day so far and out again this evening. The sky's been a weird blue colour with a round yellow thing in it.
I have Teams interviews lined up for tomorrow at 10.30 and Monday at 9.30. Please cross everything, if I only so I can see you fall over when you cross your eyes and your legs at the same time.
A nice blue Thursday afternoon in Arkland the Mild, though marred somewhat by the loud barking of my Neighbour N's dogs .
In all fairness, this doesn't happen often, but my hearing is in some respects very acute, and the barking can cause distress. I am wearing my ear defenders (for autistic people), which help...
Very best of luck with the interviews, Sanders - crossing all four trotters (and probably falling over).
It seemed a bit cooler today, although I don't know whether the numbers would have reflected it. I ran into a friend from church as I came out of the office, and we stood and blethered for a while, so that would probably explain why I wasn't exactly warm by the time I got home.
I decided I fancied a Chinese takeaway for supper - lemon chicken. It's almost as good as how I remember Mister Lees in Bruntsfield (of blessed memory).
Good luck with the interviews @Sandemaniac.
I'm just back from a very pleasant meeting discussing events and possible events in our town.
I'm glad it didn't go on too long, I've volunteered to be on a market stall talking up my political party at 8.20 tomorrow morning so an early night would probably be sensible.
No yoga this morning so I had a nice long walk before checking in with my students. As it is supposed to be my day off on Thursdays, I spent the afternoon on my studies - currently looking a political communication in the seventeenth century. Bible study this evening.
Boiler service early this morning. Found to have wear to the gasket, allowing possible escape of carbon monoxide. Fan also very noisy - dunno the cause, but it needed replacing. Boiler had to be "taken out of commission" until repairs carried out.
After phone calls to head office a replacement fan & gasket were sourced, and it could be fitted that afternoon1
Thank goodness for that, as Mr RoS had beaten me to the bathroom first thing and I hadn't managed to get a shower before the boiler men arrived!
Job completed, and eyewatering invoice was emailed to me within half an hour. They will have to wait until tomorrow for payment!
Carbon monoxide alarm now bought & fitted.
I have signed up for a three hour Zoom "writing retreat" today. I've no idea what it will be like, but if it pushes me into getting words on paper it will be great. I have an article to finish and a talk to write, both on more-or-less the same topic. I'm giving the talk on Monday so I have that ever-useful thing - a deadline!
Thank you for the good wishes, everyone. I've got through the HR one, who knows what the lab one will bring on Monday? Quite a long process after that - and a minimum of three weeks after all that to get me in post. I'm so glad I'm not spending my savings to keep going... oh, wait a mo...
My faculty and the graduate school regularly host writing retreats on Teams. They are usually for a whole morning and I think they would probably include some goal setting activity at the beginning, break times, and a debrief at the end, with cameras on or off for writing, according to preference. I say ‘I think’ because I’ve never been to one - I’m someone who just books writing time in my diary and does it. But I think they can be useful as a commitment if you are having difficult finding time to write or procrastinating.
A lovely (mostly) sunny day in Arkland the Golden, despite an easterly breeze. Afternoon tides are high for the next few days, so sitting in the wheelhouse and drinking BEER is the obvious thing to do, since I can't (for the next couple of hours, at least) go ashore.
I shall need to make an Expotition to the Office tomorrow morning, though, as three Shirts I've ordered have been delivered. They come from my old mate *George*, and cost less than £5 each...ah! we Arklanders like to live in style...
A sunny day here, but very chilly first thing when I was standing around on a stall trying to interest people in a meeting about our local hospital.
Then on to lunch with a friend who helps manage a small book publishing company. They are going to publish a book of my short stories which is great news. I now need to think of an order for the stories and a title.
Sunny but cold here. I had a lovely long walk this morning before settling in to an afternoon of marking. Mr Heavenly is out at an office do (axe throwing) so I’ve ordered a Chinese takeaway for myself.
If it stays sunny there will be a weekend of painting the new office.
Decently busy day, which ended with me finishing everything off by 5, which is always particularly pleasing on a Friday. F&C for supper, obviously.
Quite a nice day too; still not awfully warm, but it is still February (just). The Artisans' Market should be on tomorrow, so I hope the nice weather lasts. It'll be the first one I've been able to go to for a while, mostly because of Scottish Voices things getting in the way (or bad weather, or whatever), so I'll have an amble along after choir practice.
Busy day, lots of small tasks accomplished this morning despite a late start. Sunny day. Someone who was meant to be coming to quote for a repair to my door steps failed to turn up. I then had a hair appointment, collected prescriptions ( one missing) bought birthday presents, hopped on a bus to get my new glasses adjusted, home to more admin. After my meal my grandchildren plus one boyfriend arrived. Soon I must make a packed lunch, watch Astrid in Paris, have a bath and an early night before a long day’s choral workshop tomorrow. We’re singing two Elgar Serenades and Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music. I’m helping to run a stall of second hand CDs and music scores, so have been making labels. Nice to be busy after too many days at home alone.
It is actually a degree or two warmer than yesterday, but doesn't feel it. Yesterday had sunshine, whereas today is dull and raw.
A dismaying email from our downstairs neighbour, to say they are selling up. A great pity, as they were everything you'd want in a neighbour. And there's always the fear the flat will pass to a thrash metal fan with pet pit bulls and a home business tuning motorbikes. Unlikely in this neighbourhood, I grant you. But witness our neighbours on the other side who are affluent enough to buy here, but still disagreeable people with no grasp of the social niceties.
Anyway, as soon as I've defrosted from the outing to the shops I will go marinade half a chicken in oil, lemon, allspice, cinnamon and sumac a la Ottolenghi.
Grey but dry in West Lothian; I had a wee amble round the Artisans' Market after choir practice, and ran into Rev'd Rosie who reminded me she wants to do Compline one Sunday evening in Lent. Must see if I can find the copy she gave me, which I put away somewhere so safe I can't remember where it is ...
I bought some stewing beef yesterday, and the intention is to do something with it in the slow-cooker to feed me today and tomorrow; I'm thinking possibly beef in beer, but will consult the interweb.
I bought stuff for Spag Bol tonight, but my wife suggested that we ought to have lamb as it's St David's Day. She's right, so I went out again and bought a small lamb joint. Spag Bol tomorrow!
I had Lamb Chops yesterday, because use-by date. Today, I have Salmon Fillets, because use-by date...
Another calm and Sun Shiny day in Arkland the Watery, after a chilly night. I've left it too late to go ashore - the tide is rising rapidly - so will have to make the necessary trip to the Office and to the village Co-Op once the waters have receded in a couple of hours' time.
I bought stuff for Spag Bol tonight, but my wife suggested that we ought to have lamb as it's St David's Day. She's right, so I went out again and bought a small lamb joint. Spag Bol tomorrow!
Hope there is ongoing good news about the jobs @Sandemaniac .
We hosted our occasional "meeting, eating and talking" discussion group last night; we take it in turns to host and provide the main course, others bring drinks and dessert. It all went well. I always do as simple a menu as I can but still find it quite hard work and stressful. I've only just finished getting everything washed up.
This lovely sunny morning I headed out early to get something weighed and posted at the Post Office and then, it being my wedding anniversary, I betook me to a couple of coffee establishments and spent the morning with journal, book, and friends - in that order. Mr Nen was Far Too Busy to join me but we are, to be fair, going out for a meal this evening.
I bought stuff for Spag Bol tonight, but my wife suggested that we ought to have lamb as it's St David's Day. She's right, so I went out again and bought a small lamb joint. Spag Bol tomorrow!
We are on roast lamb too. 🙂
I wanted to buy some Welsh wine; we had it once before and it wasn't very nice but I was willing to give it a second chance. However W==tr=s= no longer seems to stock it.
Hmm. Best put it in a safe place (let the Reader understand ).
The waters having receded (whether to somewhere above or below the Firmament, I'm not sure - the World seems a topsy-turvy place these days), I made a quick foray to the Office and to the Co-Op.
I now have three nice new Shirts (from George), some SOSSIDGES, and some CHIPS, but O! how tired and achy my Legs are! I don't often go ashore in the afternoons, maybe because I need rest by about 4pm, but it was nice to be out in the fresh air and Sun Shine for a little while.
Cold CHICKEN for Tea, probably in a Sanwidge, with Red Sauce.
Today we had an "Elders Away Day" It's called an "Away Day" because "Extra Long Church Committee Meeting" sounds unappealing.
We had bacon rolls 9.30-10, committee stuff 10-12.30, lunch (excellent chicken broth and rolls) 12.30-1.15, committee stuff 1.15-2.30.
The NE Man's flight home got in at 23:10 last night, so by the time we got home from the airport it was midnight. I've very impressed he made it to the "Away Day" as he had a good excuse for not turning up. He went straight to bed when we got home from the "Away Day" and is currently zzzzing away.
Back from my choral workshop. The singing was good, but the chairs were uncomfortable and have brought on backache. I had to scrape the frost off the car at 8am. The building was cold as they had had a boiler out of action. It was actually warmer outside at lunchtime. Cake was plentiful. I brought some home.
Our late Churchwarden J (who died in 2016 - he was only 46) used to tempt people to stay behind after Sunday Mass for the occasional extra PCC (or congregational) meeting by providing a light lunch in the form of a large Vat of his most excellent and delicious VEGETABLE SOUP...
He was, I may say, a skilled Chef, though he worked in the financial sector.
I bought stuff for Spag Bol tonight, but my wife suggested that we ought to have lamb as it's St David's Day. She's right, so I went out again and bought a small lamb joint. Spag Bol tomorrow!
Congrats to @Nenya and Mr nen
Hoping (and praying) for positive news for @Sandemaniac .
Exciting news on the book front @Sarasa @KarlLB keep us posted on the wellbeing of the drum
Busy week of work-ing, half-term break wears off quick.
Roast chicken this evening. Which gives an excuse for wine (I'm one of those folk who always drink red regardless of what kind of food it is I'm afraid).
We've got the "newcomers tea" at our new church tomorrow afternoon and were given electoral roll forms last week - it all seems rather official.
This week coming includes a mate coming round for a jam and a visit to the local cathedral for a performance of the bach b minor mass and in a week and a day I have a significant birthday.
Jimi hendrix currently on the record player
Cold and sunny here. Mr Heavenly has been doing some painting in the new office while I pottered in the garden. I have just made some mulled wine to warm him up!
I think tea will be chicken breasts with a salad made from roasted carrots, pears, and borlotti beans.
Thank you for the nice comments about the 'book deal'. It's basically one step above self-publishing but they do have a lovely section mini-bookshop in a local cafe that sells books by local authors so it'll get my work out there.
I've had a lazyish day sorting a few things out but I'm about to head out to a interactive show in our market square that will involve light and fire.
I normally need no excuse to eat lamb, but unlike Mrs BT, I didn't think of it.
The beef casserole is bubbling merrily in the slow-cooker; in the end I decided against beer and used wine as usual. I am, however, a rather brainless piglet - I didn't realise until it was too late that I didn't have any beef stock-pots or cubes, so a veggie cube had to suffice.
Comments
I finally got through to the surgery this morning. I was cut off once as I hadn’t realised that if you pressed the volume button 3 times it would mute the line. We both have a telephone appointment this evening.
I've been out for most of the day so far and out again this evening. The sky's been a weird blue colour with a round yellow thing in it.
In all fairness, this doesn't happen often, but my hearing is in some respects very acute, and the barking can cause distress. I am wearing my ear defenders (for autistic people), which help...
It seemed a bit cooler today, although I don't know whether the numbers would have reflected it. I ran into a friend from church as I came out of the office, and we stood and blethered for a while, so that would probably explain why I wasn't exactly warm by the time I got home.
I decided I fancied a Chinese takeaway for supper - lemon chicken. It's almost as good as how I remember Mister Lees in Bruntsfield (of blessed memory).
I'm just back from a very pleasant meeting discussing events and possible events in our town.
I'm glad it didn't go on too long, I've volunteered to be on a market stall talking up my political party at 8.20 tomorrow morning so an early night would probably be sensible.
No yoga this morning so I had a nice long walk before checking in with my students. As it is supposed to be my day off on Thursdays, I spent the afternoon on my studies - currently looking a political communication in the seventeenth century. Bible study this evening.
Back to the marking tomorrow.
After phone calls to head office a replacement fan & gasket were sourced, and it could be fitted that afternoon1
Thank goodness for that, as Mr RoS had beaten me to the bathroom first thing and I hadn't managed to get a shower before the boiler men arrived!
Job completed, and eyewatering invoice was emailed to me within half an hour. They will have to wait until tomorrow for payment!
Carbon monoxide alarm now bought & fitted.
I have signed up for a three hour Zoom "writing retreat" today. I've no idea what it will be like, but if it pushes me into getting words on paper it will be great. I have an article to finish and a talk to write, both on more-or-less the same topic. I'm giving the talk on Monday so I have that ever-useful thing - a deadline!
Lovely and sunny today. You'll find me in the garden today preparing the raised beds. Then - hopefully - coffee on the patio. What a treat! 🙂🙂
I shall need to make an Expotition to the Office tomorrow morning, though, as three Shirts I've ordered have been delivered. They come from my old mate *George*, and cost less than £5 each...ah! we Arklanders like to live in style...
Then on to lunch with a friend who helps manage a small book publishing company. They are going to publish a book of my short stories which is great news. I now need to think of an order for the stories and a title.
Sunny but cold here. I had a lovely long walk this morning before settling in to an afternoon of marking. Mr Heavenly is out at an office do (axe throwing) so I’ve ordered a Chinese takeaway for myself.
If it stays sunny there will be a weekend of painting the new office.
Decently busy day, which ended with me finishing everything off by 5, which is always particularly pleasing on a Friday. F&C for supper, obviously.
Quite a nice day too; still not awfully warm, but it is still February (just). The Artisans' Market should be on tomorrow, so I hope the nice weather lasts. It'll be the first one I've been able to go to for a while, mostly because of Scottish Voices things getting in the way (or bad weather, or whatever), so I'll have an amble along after choir practice.
A dismaying email from our downstairs neighbour, to say they are selling up. A great pity, as they were everything you'd want in a neighbour. And there's always the fear the flat will pass to a thrash metal fan with pet pit bulls and a home business tuning motorbikes. Unlikely in this neighbourhood, I grant you. But witness our neighbours on the other side who are affluent enough to buy here, but still disagreeable people with no grasp of the social niceties.
Anyway, as soon as I've defrosted from the outing to the shops I will go marinade half a chicken in oil, lemon, allspice, cinnamon and sumac a la Ottolenghi.
Today I reskinned a Bodhrán. Time will tell whether I made a good job or a pig's ear of it. One of three possibilities:
1. Skin shrinks too taught and splits;
2. Skin shrinks too loose and not playable;
3. I actually got it right.
I should run a book.
Grey but dry in West Lothian; I had a wee amble round the Artisans' Market after choir practice, and ran into Rev'd Rosie who reminded me she wants to do Compline one Sunday evening in Lent. Must see if I can find the copy she gave me, which I put away somewhere so safe I can't remember where it is ...
I bought some stewing beef yesterday, and the intention is to do something with it in the slow-cooker to feed me today and tomorrow; I'm thinking possibly beef in beer, but will consult the interweb.
Another calm and Sun Shiny day in Arkland the Watery, after a chilly night. I've left it too late to go ashore - the tide is rising rapidly - so will have to make the necessary trip to the Office and to the village Co-Op once the waters have receded in a couple of hours' time.
We are on roast lamb too. 🙂
Hope there is ongoing good news about the jobs @Sandemaniac .
We hosted our occasional "meeting, eating and talking" discussion group last night; we take it in turns to host and provide the main course, others bring drinks and dessert. It all went well. I always do as simple a menu as I can but still find it quite hard work and stressful. I've only just finished getting everything washed up.
This lovely sunny morning I headed out early to get something weighed and posted at the Post Office and then, it being my wedding anniversary, I betook me to a couple of coffee establishments and spent the morning with journal, book, and friends - in that order. Mr Nen was Far Too Busy to join me but we are, to be fair, going out for a meal this evening.
The waters having receded (whether to somewhere above or below the Firmament, I'm not sure - the World seems a topsy-turvy place these days), I made a quick foray to the Office and to the Co-Op.
I now have three nice new Shirts (from George), some SOSSIDGES, and some CHIPS, but O! how tired and achy my Legs are! I don't often go ashore in the afternoons, maybe because I need rest by about 4pm, but it was nice to be out in the fresh air and Sun Shine for a little while.
Cold CHICKEN for Tea, probably in a Sanwidge, with Red Sauce.
We had bacon rolls 9.30-10, committee stuff 10-12.30, lunch (excellent chicken broth and rolls) 12.30-1.15, committee stuff 1.15-2.30.
The NE Man's flight home got in at 23:10 last night, so by the time we got home from the airport it was midnight. I've very impressed he made it to the "Away Day" as he had a good excuse for not turning up. He went straight to bed when we got home from the "Away Day" and is currently zzzzing away.
He was, I may say, a skilled Chef, though he worked in the financial sector.
I've missed a trick!!
Hoping (and praying) for positive news for @Sandemaniac .
Exciting news on the book front @Sarasa
@KarlLB keep us posted on the wellbeing of the drum
Busy week of work-ing, half-term break wears off quick.
Roast chicken this evening. Which gives an excuse for wine (I'm one of those folk who always drink red regardless of what kind of food it is I'm afraid).
We've got the "newcomers tea" at our new church tomorrow afternoon and were given electoral roll forms last week - it all seems rather official.
This week coming includes a mate coming round for a jam and a visit to the local cathedral for a performance of the bach b minor mass and in a week and a day I have a significant birthday.
Jimi hendrix currently on the record player
I think tea will be chicken breasts with a salad made from roasted carrots, pears, and borlotti beans.
I've had a lazyish day sorting a few things out but I'm about to head out to a interactive show in our market square that will involve light and fire.
The beef casserole is bubbling merrily in the slow-cooker; in the end I decided against beer and used wine as usual. I am, however, a rather brainless piglet - I didn't realise until it was too late that I didn't have any beef stock-pots or cubes, so a veggie cube had to suffice.